The Purpose and Practice of Buddhist Meditation: A Source Book of Teachings

“I think it’s quite
important to think of meditation not only in terms of becoming more and more
concentrated but in terms of becoming more positive, more creative, more
outward-going, more reflective, more contented, more happy to be on one’s own,
more full of energy, more playful. Meditation is equally all those things.”

The Purpose and Practice of Buddhist MeditationA Source Book of TeachingsSangharakshita

How much meditation is good for you?

Why visualize an Enlightened being?

Are there places that meditation doesn’t reach?

All of these questions and very many more are tackled in this
substantial compilation of Sangharakshita’s teachings on meditation, drawn from
previously published works and from the unpublished transcripts of seminars.

Discussions reveal how Sangharakshita learned the practices on which
his system of meditation – ‘an organic, living system’ – is based, and how that
system has evolved over the years. Amid much curiosity about dhyana and Insight the book also explores such questions as
how to deal with fear or distraction, doubt, drowsiness or desire.

Whether dipped into, consulted on a specific subject or read from cover
to cover, the collection offers practical, inspiring and encouraging advice for
new and experienced meditators alike; and throughout, it is deeply imbued with
the Buddhist vision of the role of meditation in the quest for Enlightenment.